1. Number three hitter/All Star (Didn’t that used to be Chipper?)
2. Starting Pitching (perhaps their future #1 starter)
3. Relief Pitching (arguably the best closer in baseball)
4. Defense (arguably the best defensive middle infielder in baseball)

Mark @7, I do not think it’s too early to sign Simmons. Yes, there are questions about his bat and whether he’ll develop into a more complete hitter. But most of his value is always going to be tied to his premier glove at shortstop, and there are no questions there.

He was one of the 10 most valuable players in the league last year, by metrics like WAR, while posting a rather bad OPS+ of 87.

I feel like these signings were the best “off-season moves” Atlanta could have made. You can never predict injuries or future performance, but in my opinion, I couldn’t have wished for a better FA signing, trade or acuisition. Bravo! Braves Front office.

The Simmons deal is amazing in the fact that the contract is worth it on defense alone. Throw in the fact that he can potentially hit 20 homers as a SS and he doesn’t strike out. Andrelton you have superseded my expectations.